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Hamas has declared Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader, placing one of the group’s veteran politicians in charge at a time when its stakes and pressures are at their peak. Al-Hayya succeeds Yahya Sinwar, who died in 2024, and will play an influential role in the direction the group will adopt on its political and diplomatic policy during the continuing war with Israel.

A veteran Hamas leader and a well-known negotiator, al-Hayya has represented Hamas in many indirect ceasefire and hostage-release negotiations over the years. Here’s everything you need to know about him.

Who is Khalil al-Hayya?

Khalil al-Hayya is a Palestinian politician and a current senior Hamas leader who has spent most of his adult life in the leadership of the organization. Born in Gaza on November 5, 1960, he was part of the political leadership of the group for many years, and has been recognized as one of the most powerful actors in his leadership position.

Since 2006, he has represented Gaza City in the Palestinian Legislative Council. He has held various senior leadership positions in Hamas. After Saleh al-Arouri died in 2024, al-Hayya served as deputy chairperson of Hamas’ Political Bureau, before becoming part of the leaders of the organization after Yahya Sinwar’s death.

Why has Hamas appointed Khalil al-Hayya as its new chief?

The appointment follows Hamas’ need to find new leadership after the deaths of several of its senior commanders during the recent battle with Israel.

Al-Hayya is considered to be a seasoned political operative with broad knowledge of the organization’s inner structure, and his appointment situates one of Hamas’ best known negotiators within the group’s political hierarchy.

What has Khalil al-Hayya done for Hamas?

Al-Hayya has been entrusted with several senior roles within Hamas over the years, including heading its political affairs over Gaza, and acting as Hamas’ chief representative in emergency ceasefire and hostage negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar.

He has also led reconciliation efforts with Gaza’s political rivals Fatah, and represented Hamas in diplomatic meetings in Turkey, Algeria, Lebanon and Syria. In 2022 he attended a high-profile meeting between Yahya Sinwar and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as Hamas tried to re-establish ties with the neighboring country after years of hostility.

What makes Khalil al-Hayya an influential Hamas leader?

He is well known as one of former Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s closest political allies. Al-Hayya has been described as one of very few senior leaders whom Sinwar trusted.

His influence grew further after several top Hamas leaders were killed, making him one of the organization’s most senior surviving political figures. His experience in both internal decision-making and international negotiations has strengthened his standing within the movement.

Has Khalil al-Hayya survived assassination attempts?

Yes. In September 2025, al-Hayya reportedly survived an Israeli airstrike in Qatar that targeted senior Hamas leaders. Israeli officials have identified him as one of the group’s top political figures for several years.

His survival further increased speculation that he would eventually assume a larger leadership role within Hamas.

Analysts believe al-Hayya’s appointment could give greater importance to diplomatic engagement, particularly in indirect ceasefire and hostage negotiations. His experience dealing with regional mediators such as Qatar and Egypt may prove significant if fresh talks are initiated.

However, experts also note that his appointment does not necessarily signal an immediate shift in Hamas’ overall policies or its approach to the conflict with Israel. Instead, it reflects the group’s effort to ensure leadership continuity while navigating an ongoing war and mounting regional pressure.